Device and composition for blowing a soap bubble

ABSTRACT

A device for soap bubble blowing has a tube through which a bubble is blown and which is provided with protrusions and recesses, and a ledge of a special shape on its walls, wherein the tube can be fitted in a lid which is joined with a container intended to keep a film-generating composition, and a composition for soap bubble blowing includes surface active agents, high-molecular substances, water, and high-boiling polar water-soluble solids, said surface active agents being selected of the group consisting of anion-active and non-nonionic agents, said anion-active surface active agents having a content of 1-5 by weight, said non nonionic surface active agents having a content of 0.1-1 weight percent by weight, wherein a ratio of said non ionic and ion-active surface active agents is 1:3-1:30.

SCOPE OF APPLICATION

The invention relates to devices intended for soap bubble blowing forentertainment and show purposes.

PREVIOUS STATE OF THE ART

A soap bubble may be described as a volume of gas contained within aspherical thin liquid film. Bubble-making toys and devices are widelyused, being popular with children. The common principle of these devicesor toys is that an outlet, such as a ring capping a stick, or a tube'send mouth, is wetted with a soap bubble generation agent. When theoutlet is so wetted with the agent, a film is generated due to surfacetension across the outlet, which film bends under gas pressure from oneside of the outlet and generates soap bubbles splitting from the saidoutlet and flying away in the air.

To make larger-size soap bubbles, devices in the form of a frame (a ringwith a holder) of a large diameter, or a tube are used. The use of atube offers a smaller size and the easiest application of the device. Toenhance the efficiency of bubble blowing, a tube is used with holes foradditional inflow of air used in the soap bubble making. Examples ofdevices intended to make larger-size bubbles and based on soap bubbleblowing with a tube are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,205,028,2,561,974, 2,711,051, 3,183,621, and 4,770,649, and in Russian PatentsNos. 2139119 and 2193437.

Soap bubbles are produced from special compositions. A typicalcomposition for making toy bubbles contains water and a Surface ActiveAgent (SM) dissolved therein. SAA reduces the surface tension of waterso that when a ring or a tube is dipped into such composition, acomposition film is generated across the outlet, bends under a gas flowfrom one side, and generates soap bubbles. Apart from SAA, a soap bubbleblowing agent generally contains high-molecular substances and otheradditives. The composition is developed with regard to design featuresof the device used to produce soap bubbles and with regard to the soapbubble size and its lifetime to destruction. Examples of compositionsfor soap bubble blowing are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,433,625,2,469,045, 3,630,951, 4,284,534, 4,511,497, 6,008,172, and 6,056,983,Application No. 20020019470, and in UK Patent No. 2086407.

Reviewed below are several analogous devices intended to producelarge-size soap bubbles.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,205,028 describes a tapered cardboard tube, on one sideof which a mouthpiece for air forcing is fixed, while on the other side,the tube is wetted with soap bubble blowing composition. The mouthpieceis fixed along the tube's axis and spaced from one of its ends, so thatfully opened apertures are left between the mouthpiece and the tube.When air is forced through the mouthpiece, an additional volume ofatmospheric air is sucked into the tube (via the fully openedapertures), which is supplied for generation of soap bubbles on theopposite end of the tube. For better wetting of the tube outlet with thecomposition, a ring with slits is arranged inside the tube. The innerand the outer surface of the tube may be smooth or porous.

Disadvantages of such tube are its fully open apertures and its even(smooth) surface. The fully open apertures and smooth surface of thetube result in the composition flowing down the tube when a soap bubbleis blown, especially when the tube is pointed upwards or horizontally.The composition flows down the tube wall and through its open apertures,and finally contacts the blower's hands and face. In addition, whencatching breath (between expirations), the soap bubble film contractsand partly pushes warm and moist air out to the blower's face, whichfeels unpleasant.

The closest analog of the claimed device may be considered the soapbubble blowing device using air inflow to generate a soap bubble, whichis described in the patent RU2139119 of 25.03.1997. The device comprisesa tube, with a nipple of a smaller diameter and apertures foratmospheric air inflow installed in its top part, while soap bubbles aregenerated on the bottom end. For easier use of the device, the tube maybe combined with a lid and a container for soap bubble blowingcomposition, may have an adjustment ring to adjust the quantity of airsupplied to generate a soap bubble, and may also be supplemented with adevice for automatic soap bubble blowing. When the device is in use, ajet of air or gas is supplied via a nipple inside the tube. Using theunderpressure created in the top part of the tube, an additional volumeof atmospheric air is forced into the device to generate a soap bubble.Due to this effect, the device enables blowing of larger-size soapbubbles, or a multitude of medium-size bubbles.

A disadvantage of the above device is that the tube surface is made even(smooth), which reduces the efficiency of blowing large-size soapbubbles upwards.

Information on soap bubble blowing compositions refers to a previouslyknown soap bubble blowing composition that is not toxic and does notirritate human eyes, and uses water solutions of SAAs and high-molecularsubstances, see UK Patent GB 2 086 407. This composition is a watersolution of lauryl diethanol amide combined with the alcanol amide ofsulfo-succinic acid ester, which is used as SAA, and contains alsowater-soluble, film-generating high-molecular compounds selected fromthe polyvinyl pyrrolidone-polyethylene oxide-polyvinyl alcohol group,and from derivatives of cellulose and gelatin. Apart from theabove-listed components, the composition contains up to 10% of glycerinby weight.

This composition does not enable blowing large soap bubbles as itgenerates a thin soap bubble film, which is needed to produce a smallbubble, but bursts at an attempt to produce a large soap bubble. Suchcomposition is intended to obtain a higher number of small-size soapbubbles, i.e. its feature is blowing a multitude of small bubbles,rather than larger ones.

U.S. Application No. 20020019470 is known, which offers a feature ofsoap bubble generation from a solution of micelle-generating SM combinedwith high-molecular substances and salts. The main feature of thecomposition is its side effect, i.e. generation of composition dropletsand film particles after the bubble burst. The composition contains ahigh fraction of SAA and high-molecular substances, generally over 20%by weight, and is very viscous. Bubble blowing through a tube generatesa film that is white or colored with specially added colorants.

This composition has a disadvantage of inability to blow large-sizebubbles due to insufficient strength of film. Another disadvantage isthat large amounts of droplets and film particles are produced when thebubble bursts. Such film particles and droplets may cause throatirritation if the bubble is blown and burst in close vicinity of theface.

The film-generating composition for making larger-size (approximately,40 cm in diameter) soap bubbles may be considered as the closest analogof the claimed composition described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,630,951, wherefluoroaliphatic compounds are used as SM.

Compositions based on fluoroaliphatic SAAs as per U.S. Pat. No.3,630,951 efficiently reduce the surface tension and enable making soapbubbles with a thick elastic film. Fluoroaliphatic SAAs are used as asolution containing 0.5-5% by weight of fluoric SAA. Several polymericcompounds are used as additives to this composition, such aspolyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycols, etc. The solvent ofthe composition is water, with addition of 15-40% by weight of glycerin.

Among the disadvantages of the composition is its high viscosity, whichdictates slow and careful blowing of a bubble, as the film is not stableenough in the initial period of blowing, and often bursts. This isespecially manifest when soap bubbles are produced with the aid of thesoap bubble blowing device as described in this application, which usesthe principle of forcing an additional volume of air for soap bubblegeneration. With a glycerin content exceeding 40%, the compositionlooses its film-generating properties and separates, thus making bubbleblowing impossible. The composition makes bubbles with a very thickfilm, and such bubbles are heavy. Besides, the soap bubble film obtainedwith this composition is not sufficiently colorful, and the bubbles whenbursting produce solution drops that irritate eyes and cause a throattickle.

ESSENCE OF THE INVENTION

The purpose of this invention is to provide a compact and easy-to-usesoap bubble blowing device intended to obtain large-size soap bubbles,the flight of which can be efficiently controlled by blowing such soapbubbles upwards (above the blower's head). Another purpose of theinvention is to provide a device enabling to adjust the size and numberof soap bubbles to be produced, and to control the flow rate andhumidity of air forming soap bubbles.

The claimed purpose is achieved by providing a device using the kineticenergy of a gas jet for additional forcing of air for generation of asoap bubble, where the tube walls have protrusions, recesses (folds),and a ledge of a special shape, to ensure the best conditions for soapbubble film generation. Such a tube may be made of a deformable materialallowing for adjustment of the dimensions, shape, and flow area of theapertures, have slot-like apertures between the protrusions and recesseson the surface of the tube, additional slits, and a leaf valve on thetube's apertures, and may be inserted in a casing having a heater forthe air supplied for generation of a soap bubble. Foe easier use of thedevice, the tube may be fixed in the lid, which is attached to thecontainer intended to keep the composition for soap bubble blowing.

The invention also aims to provide a composition for blowing large-sizesoap bubbles with a durable and colorful film, which is harmful and doesnot irritate skin, eyes, and respiratory tracts.

This aim of the invention is achieved by using anion-active and nonionicSAAs, and other composition components in optimum proportions. SAA isselected out of the anion-active and nonionic group, the content ofanion-active surface active agents being 1 to 5% by weight, and thecontent of nonionic surface active agents being 0.1 to 1% by weight, theratio of nonionic and anion-active surface active agents being 1:3 to1:30. Furthermore, anion-active SAAs are selected out of the group ofalkyl sulfates, alkyl benzosulfonates, and oxyethylated alcanolsulfates, while nonionic SAAs are selected out of the group ofoxyethylated alcanols and oxyethylated fluorine-containing alcanols. Thecomposition may additionally contain components consisting of moleculeswith hydrophobic radicals at their ends and hydrophilic groups in themiddle part, solubilized organic substances, organofluoric compounds,high-molecular compounds, and salts.

INFORMATION CONFIRMING FEASIBILITY OF THE INVENTION

The purposes and advantages of the invention will become clearer fromthe following detailed description.

The soap bubble blowing device described in these claims enables toproduce large-size soap bubbles floating upwards, which is related tothe ability to produce lighter-than-air soap bubbles, and to thepossibility to accelerate the bubbles due to the air flow energy, withthe device held with its outlet upwards. The device also provides amplerability to produce soap bubbles of a larger size (10-50 cm in diameter,and larger) by improving its performances through improved designcomponents. The claimed soap bubble blowing device may have differentembodiments. It comprises a tube with folds having apertures foradditional air inflow, and may also comprise auxiliary elements such asa nipple for air supply, a lid and a container for sealing of thedevice, etc.

The most important element of the soap bubble blowing device is thetube, on which soap bubbles are generated and grown. The tube may have acylindrical, tapered, or a more complex (fashioned) shape, in particularwith flared and narrowed portions. The tube has apertures for air inlet.The tube has an end outlet and additional outlets that may be providedin the tube walls. To improve the conditions of soap bubble filmgeneration, the tube has a wave-like surface formed by alternateprotrusions and recesses (folds). A tube wall made with folds increasesthe real surface area of the tube and renders it several new consumerproperties, improving soap bubble generation and extending the abilitiesof the device. Protrusions and recesses (folds) formed by surfaceirregularities or provided as corrugations take some or all of thesurface of the tube.

For soap bubble blowing, the tube is wetted with a composition needed togenerate a soap bubble film. The composition's retention in the tubefolds and its flowing over the tube allow to accumulate much morecomposition on its surface than with a smooth-surface tube. Thecomposition is accumulated on the tube surface (in the folds), and to alesser extent, flows down the tube, unlike a tube without folds. As henumber and size of the folds increase, the quantity of the compositionretained on this surface increases accordingly. As soap bubbles areblown, the composition is partly entrained by the air flow, and travelsvia the folds towards the tube's end where the soap bubble is generated.This enables gradual supply of the composition for generation of a soapbubble as it is blown up, and the related demand for new portions of thecomposition. Gradual supply of the composition for generation of a soapbubble film is ensured by adjusting the tube's angle of inclination andthe speed of the gas flow inside the tube, and by rotating the tube,which enables increasing the size of the soap bubble, as gradual supplyof the composition to the bubble is provided jointly with air supply forits blowing.

The folds on the tube's surface are arranged as alternate protrusionsand recesses, and may have different shapes. The protrusions on thetube's surface may be designed as smoothed fins, and the recesses, ascavities between the fins. depending on the tube thickness, the foldsmay be rigid or deformable, and may be shaped as alternate grooves orcorrugations. Protrusions and recesses may be provided either only onthe tube's outer surface (the inner surface remaining smooth), or onlyon the inner surface of the tube (the outer surface remaining smooth),or on the outer and inner surface of the tube simultaneously. The numberof protrusions and recesses on the outer and inner surface of the tube,and their size may be different. The tube surface may have at leastthree protrusions and three recesses forming folds, where the number offolds in the top and bottom part of the tube wall may differ. The numberof folds on the tube surface is related to the tube diameter, size ofsoap bubbles to be obtained, properties of the bubble blowingcomposition, and design features of the device. Generally, folds aredesigned as extended longitudinal grooves over the entire length of thetube or part thereof. The tube may also be provided as partially folded,for example on one end only, or folds may be provided on both ends ofthe tube, without folds in its middle part. The shape of the folds maybe different: rounded, square, triangular, or of a more complexconfiguration. The folds may be additionally provided with slits,channels, and capillaries to increase the surface area and to improvethe composition retention, in particular by capillary forces. The foldsmay be designed not only longitudinal but also skewed, spiral, ortransverse, or in various combinations thereof. In this case, due toadjustable spread of the composition over the surface of the foldedtube, it can be gradually moved along the tube at its inclination orrotation about its axis, which enables producing soap bubbles of alarger size or in a larger number than on a tube with an even surface.The apertures for atmospheric air inflow made in the tube walls may havea form of slits or slots arranged in the tube folds.

For more convenient use of the soap bubble blowing device, it shouldpreferably be held horizontally, or at a certain angle up from thehorizontal line (the most convenient position) during the bubbleblowing. This allows for fast-response adjustment of the tube'sinclination angle during the blowing, and for control of the flight of asoap bubble. In this case, soap bubbles generated on the end of the tubefly mostly upwards, that is, after tearing off the tube, the bubbleflies up above the head, and then gradually lowers, making a much longerway in the air than with the device's tube turned downwards. The abilityto blow a soap bubble upwards greatly depends on the tube wettingconditions, and on the conditions of film generation on the bottom endof the tube. As was mentioned above, protrusions and recesses arrangedon the tube's surface improve supply of the composition to the soapbubble. In addition, the design of the bottom part of the tube has asignificant influence on soap bubble blowing.

When a soap bubble is blown, the composition wetting the tube endsurface is driven to generate a soap bubble film. During the blowing,the film initially generated on the tube's inner surface in itsnarrowest portion moves to the outer surface of the tube, to the part ofthe tube having the largest diameter. The soap bubble will then beattached to the maximum diameter point of the tube, and may travel alongthe tube moved by air fluctuations, but always returning to the maximumpoint of expansion. Therefore, the bottom part of the tube is designedwith a bulge, providing a ledge on it. The soap bubble film moved to theledge is stronger and thicker, which enables blowing bubbles upwards,accelerating them when tearing off the tube, and producing larger-sizebubbles when the ambient air has a low humidity. The ledge provided withits end edge (or part thereof) at an angle facilitates smooth (withoutjerks) travel of the soap bubble along the tube, and removal of thecomposition therefrom for generation of a soap bubble. The air leavingthe tube's outlet passes to the soap bubble at a distance from the edgeof the soap bubble film, which moves to the point of the maximumdiameter of the ledge, and therefore is less sensitive to the effect ofconvective currents. The lifetime of the bubble film increases, as itdries slower due to lower contact with dry air entering the bubble. Thebubble stabilization at the point of the tube's maximum diameterimproves the film generation conditions. In this case, blowing oflarge-size soap bubbles is much more efficient than with a tube withouta ledge.

The ledge is designed as an integral part of the tube or as a separatering to be put on the tube's outer side, or to be inserted in the tube'send. The ledge forms a flare of the outer part of the tube, and may forma restriction of the inner part of the tube. The ledge is generallyarranged at the tube's end, but it may also be spaced from the tube'send, or be movable.

Where the ledge is provided as an integral part of the tube, it isdesigned as a bulge of the bottom part of the tube wall. On its end(bottom) side, the ledge has a tapered portion, and on its rear (top)side, a tapered portion generally matching indents or grooves in theledge to accumulate the composition. Where protrusions and recesses,folds, or fins are provided on the outer surface of the tube, the lattermay abut the ledge. Furthermore, the indents in the rear part of theledge may be designed to match the recesses on the tube's surface, whichincreases accumulation of the composition needed to generate a soapbubble on the ledge. Indents in the rear part of the ledge are providedalso to reduce the weight (volume) of the ledge when this component ismanufactured from plastics by die casting.

Where the ledge is provided as a separate ring, it is fixed on the tubewithout a clearance (tight) or with a clearance (loose) left between thetube and the ring. The ring is fixed on the outer surface of the tube,or may be fixed on the tube's protrusions or on fins made in the tube orin the ring. Furthermore, indents in the tube may form through channelsand openings between the tube and the ring, or blind channels facing thering. Where the ring is attached with a clearance, the preferableclearance width is 0.1 to 10 mm.

The ledge thickness is as thick as the widest part of the tube wallbulge, i.e. within 2-10 mm; however, it may also be different, subjectto the tube diameter and the composition used. For more efficientstabilization of soap bubbles at the maximum diameter of the tube, thebulge is designed as a ledge of a moderate width, generally 2-10 mm. Theledge is generally beveled, with the bevel (inclination) angle within90-15°, but the preferable bevel angle is about 45°. From the end andthe rear of the tube, the ledge is generally gradually reduced to thetube diameter, preferably at 45°, although the angle may be within90-15°. Furthermore, the bevel angles of the bottom (end) portion of theledge and its top part (rear) may differ. The ledge itself may consistsof portions at different angles, for example, of an end portion at theangle of 90° and a tapered portion at 45°, with a bevel of 45° in itsrear part.

The optimum dimensions and angles of the ledge are named subject to theuse of the soap bubble blowing composition as described in the secondpart of this application.

For better wetting of the ledge with the soap bubble film generatingcomposition, additional slots, grooves, flutes etc. may be provided onits surface. The ledge may have different geometric shapes, with aconcave or convex tapered part. It may also have a wave-like surface, ormay be rounded, or otherwise shaped. Apart from its main purpose, theledge serves as a blade to remove foam generated during soap bubbleblowing from the composition container.

A ledge provided on the tube enables blowing soap bubbles upwards due tothe kinetic energy of the air flow, while the lower density of thewarmer air inside the soap bubble enables launching bubbles above theblower's head and controlling their flight, which is especiallyeffective when the ledge is combined with protrusions and recesses onthe tube's surface. Thus, a tube combining a ledge with folds on itsouter surface improves soap bubble film generation and enables blowingmuch larger soap bubbles than with an ordinary tube, especially when thebubbles are to be launched upwards. The use of a tube with a ledge inits bottom part in the device also notably increases the lifetime of asoap bubble, which is due to a thicker film generated and its bettersupply with the composition, thus increasing the size of a bubble duringits blowing.

The design of a tube that is folded (has folds) enables adjustment ofits functional dimensions by compacting or straightening its folds. Toachieve this, the tube is made of a material that is deformable under aslight force exerted when the tube is squeezed with a hand or with asimplest appliance. As applied to the specific aspects of blowing ofsoap bubbles of different size, deformability of the folded tube offersseveral advantages over a tube without folds. A tube having longitudinalfolds in the form of corrugations allows for adjustment of its overalldiameter, or of the diameter of its particular parts, which is a verysignificant factor in the generation of a soap bubble. When a tube withlongitudinal folds is radially squeezed, the folds are deformed andcompacted, with the tube diameter decreasing. For a tube deformableplastically, straightening or folding of the corrugations allows fordirect adjustment of its dimensions. For a tube of a resilient material,a new position of the tube may be fixed to obtain a smaller-diametertube. For example, a resilient corrugated tube may be squeezed with ahand, the compressed tube may be inserted into a smaller-diameter ringor clasped in a yoke and thus obtain a tube of a smaller diameter. Whenthe ring or yoke is taken off the tube, it will regain its initialdiameter. Similarly, the tube diameter may be increased relative to itsinitial size by pre-expanding the tube. For a resilient tube, alarger-diameter ring may be installed inside it, fixing the new largerdiameter of the tube, as the ring will be thrusting the tube out, andthe folds will straighten thus increasing the diameter. Similarly, atube of another shape, such as oval, may be obtained. That is, a folded(corrugated) tube allows for adjustment of its diameter by contractionand straightening of the folds, such adjustment being also possible inthe process of bubble blowing, by squeezing or releasing the resilienttube with a hand. Due to this property of a corrugated tube, soapbubbles of different size may be produced with the same tube, as thesize of soap bubbles blown materially depends on the diameter of thetube on which they are generated. The smaller-diameter tube will producebubbles of a medium and small size, and the large-diameter tube, bubblesof a large size.

Adjustability of the tube's dimensions subject to folding of itscorrugations also allows for adjustability of its shape. By deforming aresilient tube of a plastic material at any point, its dimensions may beadjusted thus modifying its shape. For a resilient tube withlongitudinal folds, the shape may be modified by transforming the tubein one of its parts, for example by fitting expanding rings inside thetube and by fitting restricting rings at its ends or in its middle part.In this case, tapered flares or contractions of the tube may beachieved. For example, a tube of a shape classical for jet compressorsmay be obtained, i.e. having a restriction in the middle part andflaring at the ends. A tube tapering downwards may be obtained, withwhich tube soap bubble blowing would be steadier. Where a tube withtransverse corrugation is used, the tube may be elongated or shortenedby squeezing or releasing it along its axis, or its curvature may bemodified by straightening or compressing the folds on one of the sidesof the tube. That is, a tube having folds and made of an easilydeformable material may change its diameter and shape duringcontraction. Resilience rendered by longitudinal corrugations allows tosqueeze and release the tube changing its cross-section, whiletransverse folds enable stretching and bending of the tube. Both actionsmay be performed with combined or spiral corrugation. A folded orwave-like tube allows to unify blowing of large-size and small-sizebubbles, and improves the functional abilities of the claimed soapbubble blowing device due to adjustability of the flow area, length, andshape of the tube.

As to additional abilities of the soap bubble blowing device, it shouldbe noted that a folded design of the tube's surface also allows for moreefficient damping of the air supplied for generation of a soap bubblewhen the inner and outer surface of the tube is wetted with water.Damping of the air inside the soap bubble enables to improve the bubblefilm stability by retardation of the film drying during its contact withdry air. A folded tube has a larger surface area compared to an ordinarytube, and its wetting with water significantly increases the contactsurface, therefore air is efficiently damped when passing through thetube. To increase the water-wetted surface of the tube, the maximumnumber of folds is provided; furthermore, apart from the folds in thetube walls, additional folds may be provided to increase the tube'ssurface area. The slits increase the quantity of moisture on the tube asa result of higher capillarity and larger overall surface area.Additional slits on the tube's surface may have the form of notches,grooves, pores, and indents. The tube may be wetted with water, forexample, by pouring it inside the device, or the film-generatingcomposition itself and its foam are used for the tube wetting. Water isretained in the tube's folds and slits, and during the bubble blowing itevaporates and damps the air due to the contact with air passing insideand outside the tube. For more efficient damping of air, an insert madeof porous materials or water-soaked fabric etc. may be placed in thetube. For this purpose, elastic porous materials may be used, to be puton the tube thus covering all or some of the air inflow apertures, whilethe air passing through the porous material is damped and furthersupplied for generation of a soap bubble. Thus, when air is damped usinga folded tube, it becomes possible to increase the number and size ofbubbles, especially when the air humidity is low, by increasing thelifetime of the film.

To adjust the flow rate of air supplied to generate a soap bubble, andto prevent air displacement from the tube by the air bubble film betweenexpirations, leaf valves may be fitted in the tube's apertures. Such avalve is designed as a thin shield (tape) pressed to the inner surfaceof the tube in the form of leaves of a polymeric material. When not inoperation, the leaf valve closes the apertures in the tube walls. Whenair is forced via the nipple into the tube, an underpressure is createdin its top part, the leaves bend off, and the apertures open, thusproviding air inflow. Between the expirations, the leaves lock theapertures, thus preventing back escape of air. The leaves are pressedagainst the tube walls with a minimum force, and easily split off theapertures when a bubble is blown due to the differential pressure insideand outside the tube. A leaf valve so arranged enables adjusting theflow rate of air sucked in, and closing the device when no expiration isperformed, the valve being closed by the leaves pressed against the tubewall by adhesion, and also by pressure generated by the soap bubble filmtending to reduce the surface. To facilitate the leaves' coming off thetube surface, its inner part may have flat portions, to which the leavesare pressed. The leaves are fixed directly on the tube, by attachingthem to the tube surface with one side, and leaving the other side free.The leaves may be fixed on a ring to be inserted into the tube, to oneside of which ring the leaves may be attached. In this case, the ring isfixed in the tube, for instance, due to elastic deformation of thefolds. To facilitate the leaves' pulling off the tube apertures, theymay have small pins protruding outwards through the tube apertures. Bypressing the pins with fingers, the flow of air through the aperturesmay be adjusted. Installation of a leaf valve facilitates blowing oflarge-size soap bubbles by younger children, and enables long pausesbetween expirations without diminishing the bubble size.

To modify the temperature of air supplied to generate a soap bubble, anadditional element is used, which is a heater or a heat exchanger. Theheater is arranged in a special casing. In its simplest version, thecasing is made of two parts abutting each other, and is provided withone or more handles for easier use. There is a free cavity inside thecasing, where the heater is fixed, such heater being a hot-water bag orbottle, a burning candle, a Bengal light, etc. An opening is provided inthe casing wall, in which the soap bubble blowing device is inserted andfixed. The device is inserted into the casing's opening and thus fixedtherein, the air inflow apertures in the tube walls being inside thecasing, and the tube ends left outside it. When the device is in use,the casing may be held by the handle while forcing air into a soapbubble. The sucked-in air passes inside the casing, is heated from aheater or heat exchanger, and is supplied for generation of a soapbubble through the apertures in the tube walls. The use of a heaterenables to increase the air temperature inside the soap bubble, andobtain lighter bubbles splitting from the device and dashing upwards.Furthermore, the casing may be designed in a visually attractive form,such as a nice figure etc.

To make the device more efficient when blowing bubbles of larger sizes,and for easier use thereof, the folded tube is matched with a nipple ofa smaller diameter (of a smaller perimeter). Generally, the nipple isaligned with the axis of the tube, and is fixed thereon. The nipple maybe fixed at an angle to the tube's axis, or rotatable to an angle of upto 90 degrees related to the axis. In the latter case, it is attachedwith flexible (elastic) connecting strips, which allows for control ofthe gas flow inside the folded tube at variations of the inclinationangle, and for orientation of the tube and the nipple irrespective ofeach other. For the same purpose, the nipple may be connected to thetube via an elastic insert (such as a rubber portion of the nipple). Airis forced through the nipple by exhaling it or supplying it withsmall-size manual or stand-alone compressors (air blowers).

The easiest in use is a soap bubble blowing device combined with a lidand a container for the composition used to generate the soap bubblefilm (a combined-type device). In such a device, the lid protects thehands and face against drops of the composition spreading over the tubewhen blowing soap bubbles. The tube of the device has folds and a ledgeand is fixed in the lid. When a bubble is blown, air is supplied to thetube via a clearance between the tube and the lid. That is, due to theclearance between the lid wall and the tube, inflow of additionalatmospheric air to the tube is provided for generation of a soap bubble.Furthermore, the passing of air between the lid wall and the tubeprevents to a great extent any back flow of air from the soap bubble tothe tube during breath-catching between expirations. This is explainedby higher resistance to the flow of air from the tube to the clearance.

The tube may be fixed in the lid rotatably, which helps to obtain a moreuniform film when blowing a soap bubble due to more uniform supply ofthe composition. For instance, the tube may be fixed (snap locked) withits top part on the nipple built into the lid, while resting with itsmiddle part on fins provided in the lid to ensure a clearance betweenthe lid wall and the tube. A tube so fixed may be rotated with a hand.

In a combined-type device, air is more efficiently heated by the warmthof the hand holding the device. With fins provided in the lid, the heattransfer still increases, the heat from the hand being transferred tothe lid and heating the air passing in the clearance between the lid andthe tube more efficiently. This helps to produce lighter soap bubbleswithout additional air heating arrangements. This effect increases withthe number of the fins in the lid and with higher thermal conductivityof the lid's material.

The combination of the lid and the container is useful for protection ofthe composition against evaporation when the device is not operated, andfor appearance design purposes. The lid makes the device more attractivevisually, enables diversifying its shape, and allows for sealing of thedevice.

Sealing of the lid and the container in the device is accomplished afterthey are coaxially aligned and the tube's bottom end is lowered into thecontainer, by screwing the lid onto the container, or by any other knownmeans. To seal the nipple, a plug is used, which is attached to the lidwith a flexible lead (generally a tape of a polymeric material). Theflexible lead is fixed to the lid with one end, the other end having aplug to seal the nipple. For example, the plug may be attached to thelid with a flexible lead having a ring at its end, which ring is fixedto the nipple. Apart from the plug, the lead may have a tip (or severaltips) attached thereto to elongate the nipple, and a ring, which is puton the nipple to fix or secure the lead. The flexible lead may be usedfor easier holding of the soap bubble blowing device on a hand, byputting the hand between the lead and the lid, which ensures a morereliable grip of the device.

In a combined-type device with adjustable flow areas, the air flow rateand the air composition inside the soap bubble are changed with the tubefit depth in the lid (by varying the tube extension depth). By changingthe tube fit depth in the lid, the diameter of the tube fitted in thelid will be changed due to its deformation (squeezing or straighteningthe tube's folds). This will modify the flow areas in the top part ofthe tube, and the flow rate and composition of air supplied forgeneration of a soap bubble will be modified accordingly. This featuremay be used to set up the device for different weather conditions, airtemperature, and air humidity, and for different users, subject to theirdesire to get larger or smaller bubbles. In this way, quantitativeadjustment of air inflow in the device is provided without anyadditional adjusting arrangements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION TO THE GRAPHIC MATERIALS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the soap bubble blowing device embodied asa folded tube.

FIG. 2 shows the tube cross-section along the A-A line.

FIG. 3 shows the soap bubble blowing device with a nipple for airforcing.

FIG. 4 shows the soap bubble blowing device combined with a lid and afilm-generating composition container.

FIG. 5 shows the device comprising a tube with apertures in its upperpart having protrusions, recesses, and a bulge (ledge) on its outersurface.

FIG. 6 shows the cross-section of the tube as per FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows the soap bubble blowing device with a tube having folds anda ledge and combined with a film-generating composition container.

FIG. 8 shows the appearance of a combined-type soap bubble blowingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE GRAPHIC MATERIALS

FIG. 1 presents a schematic view of the soap bubble blowing device. Thedevice is embodied as a folded tube (1), with longitudinal folds (2),slot-like apertures (3) in its walls, and ring (6) upon its end.

FIG. 2 shows protrusions (4) and recesses (5) of the tube surface.

For additional inflow of air supplied to generate a soap bubble,slot-like apertures (3) are provided in the walls of folded tube (1)having longitudinal folds (2). Apertures (3) in the tube are shaped asslits (slots) arranged in the folds (protrusions (4) or recesses (5)) oftube (1). Such arrangement and configuration of apertures (3) allows foran additional adjustment effect related to airflow variation withdeformation of tube (1). When tube (1) with longitudinal folds (2) isradially compressed, folds (2) are displaced overlapping the flow areaof apertures (3), and vice versa, when tube (1) is radially extended,folds (2) straighten, and the flow area of apertures (3) increases. Inthis case, the quantity of air sucked into the device varies with thevariations of the flow area of apertures (3). By compressing andreleasing tube (1), or by fixing its size with a ring or yoke of asmaller diameter slid onto the tube, air inflow supplied to generate asoap bubble may be adjusted. For easier use of the device, the outletend of the tube through which air is forced may be protected with ring(6), having a rounded (smoothed) shape, with folds (2) of tube (1)attachable to ring (6) having an inner coaxial groove. The ring coversthe tube folds at its end and protects the end against spreading of thefilm-generating composition, and also allows to press the tube's outletagainst the lips.

In FIG. 3, the soap bubble blowing device has nipple (7), fixed onfolded tube (1) with connecting strips (8).

Nipple (7) serves to supply gas or air into folded tube (1); it is fixedon the tube with connecting strips or fins (8) arranged in the tubebetween apertures (3). Nipple (7) is fixed on folded tube (1) so as notto prevent compression or expansion of the tube in case of itsdeformation; it may be integral with folded tube (1), or be fixedthereon.

In a soap bubble blowing device combined with a lid and afilm-generating composition container, the nipple is fixed in the lid.

In FIG. 4, the soap bubble blowing device is combined with lid (9) andfilm-generating composition container (10), the lid having taper (11) inits upper part.

Such soap bubble blowing device comprises a folded tube (1) inserted ina body consisting of lid (9) and container (10). Folded tube (1), of acylindrical or tapered shape, is fixed in the lid with the aid ofdeformation of folds (2). Where the diameter of lid (9) is made slightlyless than the diameter of folded tube (1), resilient folded tube (1) isplaced in lid (9) after radial compression of tube (1), folds (2) beingcompressed and tube (1) being inserted into lid (9). When tube (1) isreleased, it straightens and gets fixed in lid (9). In this case, itsprotrusions (4) forming the fins abut the lid's walls, while recesses(5) form apertures (a gap) between the wall of lid (9) and tube (1). Bymoving tube (1) relative to lid (9), its fit depth and the flow area ofthe end outlet may be adjusted.

The ability to adjust the air flow in the device combined with lid (9)and container (10) by deformation of folded tube (1) is used when lid(9) has tapering (11) in its top part, while the top part of folded tube(1) has slot-like apertures (3). When tube (1) is inserted in lid (9)and is pushed inside, the top part of tube (1) abuts tapering (11) oflid (9) and is deformed, connecting strips (8) of tube (1) are displacedoverlapping the flow area of slot-like apertures (3). When the device isin operation, air gets into the clearance between the inner surface oflid (9) and the tube, and passes in the grooves of recesses (5) of tube(1), and next, via slots and apertures (3) of tube (1), it gets into itsinner part and is entrained to generate a soap bubble.

In FIG. 5, the device comprises tube (1) with apertures (3) in its toppart, and with protrusions (4), recesses (5) and bulge/ledge (12) on itsouter surface, the ledge improving film generation at the tube end.

FIG. 6 shows the cross-section of the bottom part of tube (1) as perFIG. 5. Protrusions (4) arranged on the outer surface of tube (1) atangle (13) develop into ledge (12). The ledge has a tapered part (14)and an end section (15) arranged at a square angle. Recesses (5) on theouter surface of the tube in the rear part of the ledge also formindents (recesses in the ledge) improving its wetting withfilm-generating composition. Such tube may be used for stand-alone soapbubble blowing, it may be supplemented with a nipple fixed in the toppart for easier blowing, and may also be intended for fixed in a lid ina device combined with a container for film-generating composition.

In FIG. 7, the soap bubble blowing device comprising a tube as per FIG.5 is combined with container (10) for film-generating composition. Inthis embodiment of the device, tube (1) is fixed on nipple (7) built inlid (9) and closed with plug (16). With its middle part, tube (1) abutsfins (17) made in lid (9) to provide a clearance between the wall of lid(9) and tube (1). This ensures inflow of air to be supplied forgeneration of a soap bubble via the clearance between the walls of tube(1) and lid (9), and apertures (3) provided in tube (1). Additionalimprovement of soap bubble film generation may be achieved with thedevice shown in FIG. 7, i.e. with loosely fixed tube (1). The end oftube (1) is fixed on nipple (7) not rigidly, but allowing for rotation(the tube is locked by an axial displacement, but remains freelyrotatable). Hand rotation of the tube held by folds on its surfaceensures the most uniform spread of the composition, with a film ofsimilar thickness generated. This enables to produce soap bubbles of themaximum size.

FIG. 8 shows the device as per FIG. 7 as assembled, where flexible lead(18) with a ring on its end fixes plug (16).

The above-described soap bubble blowing device uses a special mixture,or composition, for soap bubble blowing, the properties of which areoptimized for the claimed device. The composition generates a strong,elastic, and colorful film of soap bubbles, and enables blowing eitherlarge-size bubbles or a multitude of smaller-size bubbles.

A description of the composition will disclose the second object of theinvention.

The composition developed to produce large-size soap bubbles with theaid of the claimed soap bubble blowing device enables blowing largecolorful soap bubbles that can fly upwards. A number of requirements areset for such composition related to the necessity to obtain the optimalthickness, colorful effect, and elasticity of the film of a large soapbubble. Achievement of all these properties is related to preparation ofa multi-component composition, which is described below.

The soap bubble blowing composition is an aqueous solution ofanion-active SAA combined with nonionic SAAs, soap bubble filmstabilizing components, high-molecular substances, electrolytes, etc.The percentage content of anion-active SAA in the composition ispreferably 0.5-5% by weight, while the content of nonionic SAAs is0.1-1% by weight. The ratio of nonionic and anion-active SAAs is within1:3 to 1:30. To reduce the surface tension and to improve the elasticityand durability of the film, the composition may additionally containcomponents stabilizing the soap bubble film, organic SAAs of other typessuch as halogen-containing SAAs, for instance fluorine aliphatic SAAs,and solubilized organic and fluorine-containing substances. Apart fromwater, other water-soluble polar solvents may be used in thecomposition, with their concentration reaching 90% by weight.

The claimed composition ensures a colorful, durable, and elastic film ofa large soap bubble. The size of a bubble obtained with this compositionwhen blown with a soap bubble blowing device having additional airinflow may reach one meter in diameter.

The anion-active SAAs used in the soap bubble blowing composition arealkyl sulfates with the common composition ROSO₃M, which may be bothprimary and secondary, alkyl sulfonates RSO₃M, alkyl benzene sulfonates,and anion-active derivatives of nonionic SAAs such as sulfates ofoxyethylene alcanols R(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)OSO₃M, or other known compoundshaving surface active properties. In the above compositions, R usuallycontains 8 to 22 carbon atoms (hereafter, R means alkyl with a linear orcross-linked chain, if not otherwise specified), M stands for univalentmetal, ammonium ion etc., and the number of oxyethylene groups (n) is 1to 3. For more efficient reduction of surface tension, some or all ofthe hydrogen atoms in the hydrophobic part of anion-active SAAs may besubstituted with atoms of a halogen, preferably by fluorine atoms. Thecontent of anion-active SAA must not exceed 5% by weight, and shouldpreferably be within 1-3% by weight.

To adjust consumer properties of the composition, it may contain SAAs ofother types (ampholytic, cationic), fluoroaliphatic in particular.

Nonionic SAAs used in the composition are substances that are poorlysoluble by water and polar organic solvents. These are linear andcross-linked oxyethylated alcanols with the common compositionRO(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)H, oxyethylated alkyl phenols RArO(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)H with thenumber of oxyethylated groups n=1 to 5 and the number of carbon atoms inthe hydrophobic chain R=8 to 20, and oxyethylated carboxylic acids andoxyethylated amines and esters. In the above composition, Ar stands foraromatic hydrocarbon radical with the number of carbon atoms of 6 to 10.By attaching different numbers of ethylene oxide molecules, one maymodify the physical properties of nonionic SAAs in a broad range, but ofprimary importance for preparation of a large-size soap bubble blowingcomposition are SAAs with few oxyethylene groups and low solubility bywater and polar solvents used in the composition.

Apart from the above-listed components, derivatives of alkyl carboxylicacid amides RCONHOCH₂CH₂OH may be used, where R comprises 7 to 20 carbonatoms. The composition may also contain nonionic SAAs such as blockcopolymer resins containing oxyethylene and oxypropylene fragments. Theuse of nonionic SAAs, in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms in thehydrophobic chain are substituted with halogen (fluorine) atoms,improves consumer properties of the composition. The number ofoxyethylene groups (n=1-5) needed to achieve a certain degree ofsolubility of nonionic SAAs is related to the number of carbon atoms inthe hydrophobic part of an R molecule, and to the degree of fluorinationof the hydrophobic radical. With the number of carbon atoms in the alkylchain of 8 to 30, the number of fluorine atoms is from 0 to the maximumsubstitution of all the hydrogen atoms in the hydrophobic radical. Givena similar length of the oxyethylene chain and increased number of carbonatoms in the hydrophobic part of the molecule, and higher fluorinationof nonionic SAAs, their solubility decreases. Where individual nonionicSAAs are mixed, the highest solubility is shown by mixtures containingcompounds with the shortest and the longest oxyethylene chain.

The content of nonionic SAAs in the composition is 0.1-1% by weight,which is attributable to the low molecular solubility of the saidnonionic SAAs in the composition. The reasons to use a lower SAA contentto produce large-size soap bubbles are stated below.

Analyzing the philosophy of soap bubble blowing compositions, it shouldbe noted that when soap bubbles are blown through a tube, the maindifference between large-size soap bubble blowing and small-size soapbubble blowing is that the period in which a large bubble can be blownis much longer than that for a smaller one. For this reason, the film ofa larger soap bubble is more prone to destruction due to evaporation ofthe solvent (film drying) and syneresis, which results in its prematureburst. The film of a large soap bubble must not be thin, to achieve alonger lifetime of the bubble due to longer evaporation of the film. Atthe same time, the film must have a high viscosity to minimize syneresiseffects, and must be elastic.

The specific feature of making a soap bubble with the soap bubbleblowing device described in this application is the high speed of airflow out of the tube, and the ability to fly a bubble above the blower'shead, thus making playing with, and watching soap bubbles easier. Forthe above reasons, special requirements are set for a soap bubbleblowing composition.

The principle of the composition for blowing large-size soap bubbles isto obtain a compound where an anion-active SAA and a nonionic SAA overfilm-stabilizing components, high-molecular substances, and electrolytesmake a solution of a rather low viscosity. During the bubble blowing,the viscosity of the composition drastically increases, since thecomposition is concentrated in the process of bubble blowing as thesolvent evaporates. Furthermore, the initial concentration of SAAs andhigh-molecular substances must not be high, so that the soap bubble filmcontain as much water or other polar solvents as possible. Therefore,the quantity of SAA and other soluble components of the compositionshould not preferably exceed 5% by weight. At higher SAA contents, thefilm produced gets more faded or white, and its strength often drops. Atcontents of the composition's soluble components below 5% by weight, thelifetime of the bubble film greatly increases due to a thicker soapbubble film generated, and to a longer evaporation period of thesolvent, the content of which increases in this case. Besides, to obtaina highly durable film of a large soap bubble, high intermolecularinteraction and volume structuring of the composition is required. Toachieve this, a nonionic SAA having a low true solubility and a highadsorption at the water-air boundary, and components stabilizing thesoap bubble film are added to the composition.

The behavior of nonionic SAAs in aqueous solutions is determined bytheir intermolecular interaction. Their dissolution is subject tointeraction of water and the oxygen atom of the oxyethylene group;hydration brings about associates, resulting in modification of thecomposition's properties and therefore in a stronger film of soapbubbles, as the adsorption layers contains, in addition to SAAmolecules, also water molecules connected to oxygen atoms of theoxyethylene group. Given a fraction of low-solubility anion-active SAAsand nonionic SAAs in the composition, the soap bubble film gets stringeras the bubble is blown and the solvent evaporates. Since the solubilityof the said nonionic SAAs by water and by many polar solvents is muchlower than that of anion-active SAAs, joint dissolution of anion-activeand nonionic SAAs results in a structured composition at their lowcontents, which is necessary to obtain a large soap bubble film.Association of nonionic SAA with water molecules leads to a higherviscosity of the composition, stronger soap bubble film, and itspredominant adsorption at the phase boundary.

The ratio of anion-active SAAs and nonionic SAAs in the soap bubbleblowing composition is generally between 1:3 and 1:30. These ratiosprovide for component contents that are optimal for producing a largesoap bubble film that is durable and colorful. The soap bubble filmbecomes strong, transparent, and shining, and playing all rainbow colorsin the light, as it is colored by light interference that takes place.This effect occurs at a certain film thickness, and depends on thecomponents ratio.

The components used to stabilize the soap bubble film are long-chainlinear and cross-linked molecules, among which are hydrophobic radicalsfound at the ends, and hydrophilic groups in the middle part of themolecule. In particular, such are substances formed by long-chainmolecules with hydrophobic radicals, such as R(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR,RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OArR, RO(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR, RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR, or similar.The number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic chain R is generally 6 to20, and the number of ethylene oxide groups n=1 to 30. Hydrophobicradicals may contain fluorine atoms instead of hydrogen atoms. Ethyleneoxide groups may be substituted in such substances with otherhydrophobic groups, such as propylene oxide etc. The film stabilizationis hypothetically due to interaction between the hydrophobic radicals ofthe stabilizer molecule and the hydrophobic part of SAA, and interactionof the hydrophilic part of the stabilizer molecule with water molecules.Thus, a structured soap bubble film of improved strength is generated.Film-stabilizing components added to the composition enable to producelarge soap bubbles of optimum thickness and color effect. The quantityof components strengthening the soap bubble film usually does not exceed1% by weight.

The high-molecular substances used in the composition to improve theelasticity of the soap bubble film are known substances from the groupof polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyethylene glycol, and polyvinyl alcohol,and water-soluble derivatives of cellulose: hydroxyethyl cellulose,hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, etc. The content ofsuch components is generally 0.1 to 1% for substances with a molecularweight of 1000-200000, and is related to specific properties of suchsubstances. The content of high-molecular substances also should not behigh, to avoid increasing the content of soluble componentsunreasonably, as their increase results in excessive viscosity of thecomposition and too fast drying and destruction of a large soap bubble'sfilm.

The electrolytes used in the composition are various substancesmodifying the solubility of SAAs and other components of the compositiondue to the desalting effect, binding SAAs into complexes and structuredsolutions, or stabilizing the composition's pH, and also affecting theviscosity and surface tension of the soap bubble film. Used as suchsubstances are salts, with anions represented by chlorides, sulfates,acetates, gluconates, etc., and with cations represented by ions ofammonium, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, aluminum, etc. Tocontrol pH of the composition, salts and weak acids are used that mayhave bactericide properties. Such are in particular sodium benzoate andbenzoic acid, sodium tetraborate and boric acid, sorbic acid, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, calcium and magnesium chlorides etc.

It should also be noted that the composition may be enhanced withsubstances upsetting structuring of water (for example, carbamide inamounts of up to 1% by weight promotes release of water molecules forhydration of the oxyethylene chain). Substances modifying the taste andcolor of the composition may also be used (citric acid, flavoradditives, sweeteners such as fructose, glucose, saccharose, or xyliteand sorbite (at contents of 0.1 to 10%) and food colorants) etc.

The solvents used for the soap bubble composition are water and otherpolar solvents. Typical for the aqueous soap bubble blowing compositionis generation of colorful, elastic, and durable film, the water contentbeing 99 to 95% by weight. The use of non-aqueous solvents having aboiling point above the water boiling point improves the color effectand stability of the soap bubble film. Where the composition containsnon-aqueous solvents, some of the water is substituted with these. Insuch a composition, the content of non-aqueous solvents may be within abroad range reaching 90% by weight, which enables to produce a largesoap bubble with a film virtually resistant to drying. Generally, foodglycerin is used as non-aqueous solvent. Apart from glycerin, thecomposition may use other high-boiling polar water-soluble solvents:propylene glycol, polyglycols, etc.

The anion-active SAA content in the soap bubble blowing composition isgenerally below the critical concentration of micelle generation (CCM)typical for these SAAs. The nonionic SAA content may be lower than CCM,may be at the level of CCM, or above CCM. Micelle generation is typicalfor all types of SM, but for nonionic SAAs, the CCM values areapproximately two orders lower than for anion-active SAAs with a similarhydrocarbon chain. By using poorly soluble nonionic SAAs, CCM of thecomposition may be reduced. When anion-active and nonionic SAAs are bothcontained in the solution, mixed-chemistry micelles are generated,comprising molecules of nonionic and anion-active SAA, and componentsstabilizing the soap bubble film connected to water molecules,high-molecular substances, and electrolyte ions. In such composition,micelle generation is observed for a nonionic SAA content below 1% byweight or for an anion-active SAA content below 3% by weight.

To provide mixed micelle generation for a more complex composition,solubilizing properties of SAAs are used. CCM-based compositionstructure is used to solubilize organic substances that are insoluble orpoorly soluble by water and polar solvents, i.e. hydrocarbons,long-chain alcanols, fluoroaliphatic compounds, etc. These compounds mayaffect the properties of the soap bubble film. When the quantity ofsolubilized organic substances added to the SAA solution is increased,the molecular weight of micelles grows due to the increasing number ofSAA molecules in a micelle and to carbon pickup, which leads to micellegrowth (buildup) by solubilized compounds. Oxyethylated substances suchas long-chain components stabilizing the soap bubble film and having lowsolubility in the composition may be used as solubilized organicsubstances. Substances that slowly evaporate in the air may also beused, such as liquid wax hydrocarbons with the number of carbon atoms inthe chain of C8 to C20, or more preferably, C10 to C16; alcohols(alcanols) with C6 to C22, or more preferably, C₈-C₁₆, as well asaromatic hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, fluorinatedhydrocarbons and fluorinated alcohols, etc. That is, they are non-toxicorganic and fluorine organic substances evaporating in the air slowerthan water evaporates, and solubilized by the composition. When a soapbubble is blown, solubilized substances enter the film; this improvesthe colorful appearance of the film, its strength, and promoted itslonger drying in the air. The amount of solubilized organic substances,hydrocarbons, and fluorine-containing compounds generally does notexceed 5% by weight.

The low content of SAA and other components in the soap bubble blowingcomposition, and the high strength of the film results in a smallquantity of film particles and droplets generating when the bubblebursts. When the ratio of the composition's components is optimal, thefilm of a burst soap bubble gathers into one or several large drops orclots. The number of the generating small drops and film particles isminimum, and, since the components are not toxic and are used in lowcontents, the composition does not irritate skin, eyes, and respiratorytracts, and may be used for bubble blowing in the direct vicinity of theblower's face.

As anion-active SAAs of the film-generating composition, substances maybe used that are commercially produced and certified for manufacturingof children's shampoos and cosmetic products, such as SAA components andhigh-molecular compounds made by the Unger and Clariant groups.

Ufarol TCL 92—powder of linear sodium lauryl sulfate

Ufasan TEA—linear triethanolamine alkyl benzene sulfonate

Ungerol N 2-70 and Ungerol LES 3-70—sodium lauryl ethoxysulfates withtwo and three molecules of ethylene oxide (sodium laureth sulfate)

Tylose CBR 10000 G1 Carboxymethyl cellulose

Tylose H 10000 G4, H 200000 YP2—hydroxyethyl cellulose, etc.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Example 1

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of linear sodium lauryl sulfatemanufactured by Unger (Ufarol TCL 92), 0.1 g of oxyethylated alkylphenol with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of thehydrophobic chain being C14 to C20, and with the number of oxyethylatedgroups n=1, 0.1 g of carboxymethyl cellulose manufactured by Clariant(Tylose CBR 10000 G1), 0.5 g of sodium chloride, and 0.5 g of sodiumbenzoate. Dissolve the components heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1hour. After cooling down, use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-50cm in diameter with a soap bubble blowing device.

Example 2

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of linear triethanolamine alkylbenzene sulfonate by Unger (Ufasan TEA), 1 g of oxyethylated alkylphenol with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of thehydrophobic chain being C8 to C14, and with the number of oxyethylatedgroups n=5, 0.3 g of carboxymethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose CBR10000 G1), 0.3 g of sodium chloride, and 0.5 g of sodium sorbate.Dissolve the components heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. Aftercooling down, use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-50 cm indiameter.

Example 3

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of sodium laureth sulfatemanufactured by Unger (Ungerol N 2-70), 0.3 g of oxyethylated alcanolwith the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobicchain being C10 to C14, and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=2,0.2 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.1 gof calcium chloride, and 0.5 g of sodium benzoate. Dissolve thecomponents heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. After cooling down,use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-50 cm in diameter.

Example 4

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of sodium laureth sulfate by Unger(Ungerol LES 3-70), 0.5 g of oxyethylated alcanol with the number ofcarbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobic chain being C8 to C20,and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=3, 0.2 g of hydroxyethylcellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.2 g of magnesium chloride,and 0.1 g of a mixture of components R(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR,RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR, and RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OArR, where R contains 6 to 20carbon atoms, and n=1 to 12. Dissolve the components heated to 50-60° C.and mixed for 1 hour. After cooling down, use the composition to blowsoap bubbles 10-60 cm in diameter.

Example 5

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of sodium laureth sulfate by Unger(Ungerol LES 3-70), 0.5 g of oxyethylated alcanol with the number ofcarbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobic chain being C10 toC14, and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=3, 0.2 g ofhydroxyethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.1 g of calciumchloride, and 1 g of wax hydrocarbons with C10 to C16. Dissolve thecomponents heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. After cooling down,use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-50 cm in diameter.

Example 6

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of sodium laureth sulfate by Unger(Ungerol LES 3-70), 0.5 g of oxyethylated fluorine-containing alcanolwith the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobicchain being C8 to C10, and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=4,0.5 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.1 gof calcium chloride, and 0.5 g of sodium benzoate. Dissolve thecomponents heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. After cooling down,use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-60 cm in diameter.

Example 7

To 100 ml of distilled water, add 3 g of sodium laureth sulfate by Unger(Ungerol LES 3-70), 0.5 g of oxyethylated fluorine-containing alcanolwith the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobicchain being C8 to C10, and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=4,0.5 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.1 gof calcium chloride, and 0.1 g of a mixture of componentsR(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR, RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OR, and RAr(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)OArR, where Ris a hydrophobic fluorine-containing radical, in which the hydrogenatoms are substituted with fluorine atoms, and comprising 6 to 16 carbonatoms in a linear or cross-linked alkyl chain, and n=8 to 30. Dissolvethe components heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. After coolingdown, use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-70 cm in diameter.

Example 8

To 100 ml of distilled water and 50 g of glycerin, add 3 g of sodiumlaureth sulfate by Unger (Ungerol N 2-70), 0.5 g of oxyethylated alcanolwith the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl part of the hydrophobicchain being C10 to C14 and with the number of oxyethylated groups n=2,0.2 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose by Clariant (Tylose H 10000 G4), 0.1 gof calcium chloride, and 0.5 g of sodium benzoate. Dissolve thecomponents heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. After cooling down,use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-80 cm in diameter.

Example 9

To a mixture of 10 ml of distilled water and 90 g of glycerin, add 4 gof sodium laureth sulfate by Unger (Ungerol LES 3-70), 0.5 g ofoxyethylated alcanol with the number of carbon atoms in the alkyl partof the hydrophobic chain being C10 to C14 and with the number ofoxyethylated groups n=3, 0.5 g of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, 0.1 g ofcalcium chloride, 0.5 g of alcanols with C₈-C₁₆, and 0.5 g of carbamide.Dissolve the components heated to 50-60° C. and mixed for 1 hour. Aftercooling down, use the composition to blow soap bubbles 10-100 cm indiameter.

Soap bubbles containing glycerin have a more durable film, they can soarin the air for a long time without bursting, and offer a more colorfulplay of all rainbow colors in the light. Such bubbles can be kept in theair for several minutes, creating upward air flows with a fan orotherwise, while the bubbles change their shape, break into smallerbubbles, or merge into larger bubbles when colliding.

The above composition versions are intended for use with a soap bubbleblowing device as per this application, but may also be used with otherdevices used to obtain soap bubbles of larger sizes.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A soap bubble blowing device, comprising a tubehaving one end from which air is supplied and another end at which airbubbles are generated, said tube having apertures for air inflow, saidtube having a wall provided with folds which form a surface includingalternating protrusions and recesses.
 22. A soap bubble blowing deviceas defined in claim 21, wherein said another end at which the soapbubbles are generated is provided with a ledge formed as a bulge of saidtube.
 23. A soap bubble blowing device as defined in claim 22, whereinsaid ledge has a rear part provided with indents.
 24. A soap bubbleblowing device as defined in claim 21; and further comprising a built-inneedle which is fixed on said tube, said needle being rotatable about anaxis of said tube.
 25. A soap bubble blowing device as defined in claim24; and further comprising flexible connecting strips which fix saidbuilt-in nipple on said tube.
 26. A soap bubble blowing device asdefined in claim 21; and further comprising a lid with a built-in nippleand a container for a composition, said tube being fixed on said nippleand on fins which are built into said lid.
 27. A soap bubble blowingdevice as defined in claim 21, wherein said tube has an axis and isrotatable about said axis.
 28. A soap bubble blowing device as definedin claim 21, wherein said tube is composed of a deformeable material soas to allow adjustments of dimensions, a shape, and a flow area of saidapertures.
 29. A soap bubble blowing device as defined in claim 21,wherein said apertures are configured as slots arranged between saidprotrusions and said recesses on a surface of said tube.
 30. A soapbubble blowing device as defined in claim 21, wherein said folds of saidtube are provided with additional slots for wetting a surface of saidtube with water.
 31. A soap bubble blowing device as defined in claim21; and further comprising a water-wetted porous material which coverssaid apertures for higher damping efficiency.
 32. A soap bubble blowingdevice as defined in claim 21; and further comprising a leaf valvearranged in said apertures.
 33. A soap bubble blowing device as definedin claim 21; and further comprising a casing with a heater for airsupplied for generation of soap bubbles, said tube being inserted insaid casing.
 34. A soap bubble blowing device as defined in claim 21,wherein the device has an orientation selected from the group consistingof a horizontal orientation and an upward orientation so as to blow soapbubbles of a large size with adjustment of a flight of the soap bubbles.35. A composition for soap bubbles blowing, comprising surface activeagents, high-molecular substances, water, and high-boiling polarwater-soluble solids, said surface active agents being selected of thegroup consisting of anion-active and non-nonionic agents, saidanion-active surface active agents having a content of 1-5 by weight,said non nonionic surface active agents having a content of 0.1-1 weightpercent by weight, wherein a ratio of said non ionic and ion-activesurface active agents is 1:3-1:30.
 36. A composition as defined in claim35, wherein said anion-active surface active agents are selected fromthe group consisting of alkyl sulfates, alkyl benzene sulfonates, andoxyethylated alcanol sulfates.
 37. A composition as defined in claim 35,wherein said non ionic surface active agents are selected from the groupconsisting of oxyethylated alcanols and oxyethylated fluorine-containingalcanols.
 38. A composition as defined in claim 35; and furthercomprising components of molecules with hydrophobic radicals at theirends and hydrophilic groups in a middle part of a molecule.
 39. Acomposition as defined in claim 35; and further comprising solubilizedorganic substances and fluorine organic substances.
 40. A composition asdefined in claim 35; and further comprising up to 90% of glycerin byweight.